Three ancient shipwrecks discovered off Aegean island of Kasos

Greece's Culture Ministry says three shipwrecks from ancient and mediaeval times and large sections of their cargoes have been discovered off the small Aegean island of Kasos.

Stone pyramid-shaped anchor from late classical shipwreck in Kassonissia
[Credit: F. Kvalo/Greek Culture Ministry]

A statement Monday said an underwater survey that ended last month also located cannons and other scattered finds - possibly from other foundered vessels that have not yet been pinpointed.

The oldest of the wrecks found was a 2,300-year-old trader. Its surviving cargo included amphorae - large jars used to transport wine, oil or foodstuffs - and fine tableware.

Shipwreck of the Hellenistic period [Credit: C. Hoye/
Greek Culture Ministry]

Iron cannon resting on sloping limestone sediments
[Credit: C. Hoye/Greek Culture Ministry]

Wreck from the Greek War of Independence [Credit: F. Kvalo/
Greek Culture Ministry]

Amphora from Byzantine era shipwreck ready to be lifted to the surface
[Credit: F. Kvalo/Greek Culture Ministry]

Lifting of amphora from Byzantine era shipwreck [Credit: F. Kvalo/
Greek Culture Ministry]

Archaeologists also located five stone anchors in the wreck. The two other ships dated to the 1st century BC and the 8th-10th century AD.

Kasos lies between Crete and Rhodes on what remains a key trade route linking the Aegean with the Middle East.

Source: Associated Press [November 04, 2019]